The Massapequa Road Runners will host the 22nd Annual 5K Firecracker Run on Sunday, July 7, at 5 p.m. This run is open to runners of all ages and abilities. The racecourse is USATF certified and sanctioned, and is a flat, fast 3.1 mile loop through the Village of Massapequa Park. The race will start at the intersection of Park Boulevard and Clark Street and proceed north to Walker Street, where it will turn west and then head south along the preserve path. The race will finish on Lakeshore Drive at Brady Park.

The Firecracker Run is once again part of the Long Island Track and Field KeySpan Grand Prix Series. One hundred and forty-five individual and team awards will be up for grabs at this popular event, including overall male and female as well as the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80 plus. There are also awards for wheelchair competitors, Clydesdales, judged race walkers and teams. Finish line road race technicians, using the ChampionChip, will provide timing and results. There is also a unique "Lift and Run" Division where runners will bench press a percentage of their body weight (based on age and sex) prior to the run. Each lift is worth a 30-second deduction from your 5K finishing time. Lift and Run Division Awards are in addition to the normal 5K awards. A quarter-mile fun run for children 10 and under will take place at 4:15. All fun run participants will receive medals.

Meyers Transport of Deer Park is the major sponsor for this event. Runners' Edge of Farmingdale, Paul's Ice Cream, Extreme Auto Body and Repair, Pequa Beverage, Sunrise Cyclery, Brands Cycle and Fitness, Sunrise Health & Racquet Club, Johnny McGoreys Eating and Drinking Establishment, and Commercial Trailer Leasing will also sponsor the 2002 Firecracker Run. Johnny McGoreys, located on Front Street in Massapequa Park, will be the sight of a post race celebration.

Race applications for early registration at a discounted fee are available by contacting Race Director Dennis Boyd at 868-5859 or at siamezze@aol.com. Registered runners can pick up their race packets at the Runner's Edge on Saturday from noon at 5 p.m. Late registration will also be available at the Runner's Edge. Race day check-in and day of race registration will take place at Brady Park starting at 2 p.m. and continuing to 4:30 p.m. T-shirts will be given to all registered runners. Post race refreshments of fruit, ice cream, and beverages will be served in the park. The Awards Ceremony and post race raffle will start at approximately 5:45 p.m.